It has always been difficult to be a leader in higher education, particularly if you are a member of an underrepresented group. There are, however, specific stressors in these current times that exacerbate that difficulty. These stressors include:
- the declining confidence in the value and efficacy of higher education,
- the questioning of the values of diversity and equity,
- the divided nature of our politics (both on and off the campus),
- the growing volatility of the rhetoric and the concomitant drop in the honoring of civil discourse and respect,
- and the impact of social media.
While it is necessary to acknowledge these trends, it is equally as important to emphasize the ways to combat them. First, we must begin by acknowledging that these stressors are not in fact new. They may be more extreme, but they are not new. Second, creating platforms for informed defense and communal action combined with self-awareness, can combat the fatigue that comes from being on the being on the offensive so much of the time. Finally, creating a community of defenders will assure that you will not only survive but thrive.
Presenter Bio:
R. Barbara Gitenstein, President Emerita of The College of New Jersey, is a higher education leader with over 40 years of experience. She previously served as provost at Drake University and was the first woman to lead both institutions in those roles.
As president, she strengthened academic programs, improved graduation rates, and led significant campus growth and fundraising. Since retiring in 2018, she has consulted with the Association of Governing Boards and written on leadership and governance.
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Presented by: Global HERC Community
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